If your child is involved in sports, you’ve got a lot to think about in terms of equipment and safety. While you may be focused on getting the right helmet or shin guards, don’t forget about shielding their teeth. Protecting your child’s smile while they are out on the playing field is critical. In fact, of the 15 million children that participate in organized sports in the United States, approximately 10 percent of them will experience a mouth-related injury. How can you prevent your kid from being a part of this statistic? A custom mouthguard.
Studies suggest that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer damage to the mouth when not wearing a protective mouthguard. Not only are you saving your child’s smile, but you are protecting your budget too. The cost to repair an avulsed (knocked-out) tooth or other serious dental injury can be quite pricey. A simple visit to the dentist for a custom mouthguard is only a fraction of the cost it would take to repair a dental injury.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that only football players and wrestlers need mouthguards. If your child is involved in any type of contact sport where an accidental elbow or flying ball could hit the mouth, a mouthguard is necessary. Also, to avoid the mouthguard feeling uncomfortable or not fitting properly, skip the store-bought boil and bite option and invest in a custom mouthguard from your dentist. Not only are these designed to last much longer, but they also are fabricated to fit every groove of your child’s bite – which means they will be able to talk, breathe and play their sport without the distraction of an ill-fitting mouthguard.
While mouthguards are the most significant way to protect your child’s teeth in sports, there are some extra small steps you can take to preserve their smile even more. After a long practice or tough game, give your child a bottle of water instead of a sports drink. Sports drinks and energy drinks are known for their high acid and sugar levels, which can wreak havoc on the enamel of their teeth and cause irreversible damage.
At Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry, we love treating active kids. We also value the importance of helping parents protect their children from serious dental injuries as they play. Call us today to learn more about how you can get your child fitted for a custom athletic mouthguard this season!
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